Both teachers and tutors perform an important job in the world of education and learning, but what's the difference between a teacher and a tutor? Whether you're looking into the teaching profession or are currently a student yourself.
In this article, we're going to look at the key differences between teachers and tutors, how their jobs differ, and how both help you achieve your academic goals both inside and outside the classroom. Let's take a look!
What is a teacher?
A teacher is a professional educator, employed by an academic organisation and paid to guide students through the curriculum of their specialist subject. Teachers don't choose the curriculum themselves, but are given a set curriculum by their education board, which will help students pass their exams or tests at the end of the school year.
While some teachers specialise in one or two specific subjects, teachers who work at primary school level are trained to cover all elements of the curriculum for each age cohort. This means that they teach maths, English, science, art, and even some modern languages.
Understanding the role of a teacher
Put simply, the role of a teacher is to guide you through an academic subject, and present the curriculum in an easy-to-understand, engaging way. The role of a teacher is also to grade your capabilities in each subject; your teacher will be the one assessing your assignments, tests, projects, and homework - and for some subjects, even some elements of your exams.
While the principal role of a teacher is to teach their subject, they're also in charge of managing a classroom. This means enforcing school rules, disciplining bad behaviour, and taking any necessary steps to ensure that the hours in the classroom aren't disrupted by poor behaviour.
Teachers are usually paid a set salary, which is set out by the government for all public or state schools. Salaries for supply teachers and teachers in private schools may vary.
What is a tutor?
A tutor is an independent educator who can be hired for 1-on-1 help in any specialist subject. You can find maths tutors, English tutors, language tutors, science tutors, and even history tutors.
Unlike a teacher, you don't need to go through any extensive training to be a tutor. In fact, many tutors in the UK are former students, who use their recent experience within the education system to make a little money alongside their university studies.
Unlike a teacher, a tutor doesn't have to worry about enforcing school conduct codes or monitoring student behaviour. In most cases, a tutor will be hired on a 1-to-1 teaching basis, although some more experienced tutors will offer group tutoring services in their specific subject.
While tutors don't need to undergo any specific training, they will usually have an academic background in their tutoring subject. Most maths tutors will have a degree or relevant qualification in maths, while most English tutors will have a significant qualification in English, literature.
Tutors are paid by the hour, and most tutors in the UK will charge anywhere between 10-30 pounds an hour. Tutors who are students themselves will most likely offer the most affordable rates, while tutors with a higher education background will charge more. In London, the average price of a tutor will typically be higher than the normal UK average.
Tutors are paid by the hour, and most tutors in the UK will charge anywhere between 10-30 pounds an hour. Tutors who are students themselves will most likely offer the most affordable rates, while tutors with a higher education background will charge more. In London, the average price of a tutor will typically be higher than the normal UK average.
Teacher vs. Tutor: what's the difference?
The main difference between a tutor and a teacher is that one is employed by an academic institution and is paid to teach a set curriculum, while the other is an independent educator who will offer 1-to-1 tutoring in a subject of their choosing.
Here are just a few other ways in which tutors and teachers differ:
Personalised teaching
When you're being taught by a teacher in a classroom, you're not necessarily getting the best 1-1 guidance. Classrooms in the UK can often have upwards of 30 pupils in each class, meaning that the teacher won't always have time to respond to each and every question you may have about a subject. This can lead to some gaps in your learning, and can impact your core understanding of the subject.
Unlike teachers, tutors offer personalised, 1-to-1 coaching and tutoring, where you'll be able to go in-depth on any topics or subjects that you're struggling to understand. This is the value of tutors: you're able to use your study time to develop your comprehension with the help of expert guidance, and no limit on the number of questions you can ask.
Grading vs. feedback
While a teacher's job is to grade you on your academic performance, a tutor's job is to notice where you're making mistakes, and help you learn how to correct them. Making mistakes is a great way to learn, and having someone who can explain in detail where you're going wrong is an incredibly effective way of understanding a topic or theory that you struggle with. While teachers do important work and often spend their own free time grading tests, essays, and projects, a grade on a page isn't going to help you learn how to do better; and this is where tutors come in.
Teaching methods
While a teacher will be required to teach according to the set curriculum (according to the teaching methods laid out by the education board), tutors are not bound by the same rules. This means that an independent tutor is able to employ their own teaching methods to help you better understand complicated subjects.
Hiring a tutor also gives you greater control over how you're taught; if you learn better with visual aids, you'll be able to find a tutor who knows how to use images and graphs to explain complex subjects. Similarly, if you need help working on your speaking skills for a modern language class, you'll be able to hire a tutor who will be happy to converse with you and give you feedback and guidance on your work.
Flexible teaching hours
Tutors, unlike teachers, don't have set working hours. Most teachers work on a 9-5 basis, and follow the same weekly schedule as their students, working Monday-Friday and taking weekends off. Tutors are much more flexible, and will be able to meet you for a study session in the evening and even on a weekend. While all tutors will set their own working boundaries and set out their own availability, you'll be able to see a specialist tutor almost any day of the week. This can be incredibly useful if you need tutoring help outside exam season, when you're still required to be at school Monday to Friday.
Is a tutor worth it?
Hiring a tutor is a great way to strengthen your understanding of any subject, while also being able to ask plenty of questions and get direct feedback on your work. A tutor isn't there to replace the role of a teacher; you're simply getting a helping hand from someone who can talk you through any topics you might find difficult.
Tutors are also a great resource during exam season, when your teachers will be incredibly busy seeing to all pupils from every exam-level cohort. If you're interested in maths tutoring, check out math tutors online and see if a tutoring experience might work for you.
This post was updated on 01 Aug, 2023.
